Westminster Abbey

On my way back home I decided to get off the tube at St James’ Park and walk to Westminster tube station for the final leg of the journey home, just so I could see a bit of London.

I wasn’t thinking about what is around Westminster tube, more about what I might see on the route as I walked. And the tube station at St Jame’s Park is interesting and so I walked along Tothill Street looking at the architecture of the buildings.

And then the Abbey came into view, lit by the afternoon sun.

To the side of the Abbey is Dean’s Yard. It is a quadrangle of old buildings and at one of them is the entrance to Westminster School.

And in front of the Abbey is a tall column with this inscription that as you will read relates to the school:

To the memory of those educated at Westminster School who died in the Russian and Indian wars A.D. 1854ー1859 on the field of battle or from wounds or sickness, some in early youth, some full of years and honours but who all alike gave their lives for their country.
This column was erected by their old schoolfellows in token of sorrow for their loss of pride in their valour and in full assurance that the remembrance of their heroism
in life and death will inspire their successors at Westminster
with the same courage and self-devotion.

What does ‘in token of sorrow for their loss of pride in their valour ‘ mean?

The names of some of the dead are on inscriptions on the other sides of the column.